Plugable

Plugable’s New USB 2.0 Switch For Sharing a Device or Hub Between Two Computers

Posted on 02. Feb, 2012 by Aaron Knopf in USB2-SWITCH2

Here’s a scenario our customers frequently describe: “I just got a new USB-based printer and want to share it between two computers. But the printer isn’t networkable. What should I do?”

The inexpensive solution: Plug the printer’s USB cable into the computer where you have something to print. Repeat as needed.

The easier solution: Get the Plugable USB2-SWITCH2 for fast, one-touch switching of the printer–well, really any USB 1.1/2.0 device or hub–between two computers. One computer has access to the device at a time.

For anyone who’s been involved with information technology for a while, the practice of using a switch to share access between multiple computers and a device is not new. But the power of USB dramatically enhances the potential of what can be shared.

In the days before USB, you had to buy a specialized switch that was compatible with the connection cable used by the device to which you wanted to share access. For example, a keyboard-video-mouse switch–abbreviated as a KVM switch–provided switched access to just those three devices.

A USB switch enables two computers to access a single USB device, like a printer.

Now with a USB-based switch, you can set up switched access between two computers to any USB 1.1/2.0 device–no specialized switch boxes necessary for each device. And if you connect the switch to a USB hub, you’ll have switched access to all the devices connected to the hub. This can offer a lot of flexibility.

Attach a USB hub to a USB switch to enable two computers to access all the devices connected to the hub.

Here’s an example from our lab of the way you can maximize the USB2-SWITCH2’s potential:

• Connect a PC running Windows 7 and a Mac Mini running OS/X.
• Attach a Plugable USB2-HUB-AG7 powered seven-port hub to the switch.
• Plug the following devices into the hub:
• A Plugable USB-VGA-165 display adapter (set to mirror the main display)
• A Plugable USB2-E100 10/100 Ethernet adapter
• A USB-based keyboard and mouse

With a single button press, you can switch access to a mouse, a keyboard, a display, and a network connection between two computers running different operating systems. And you’ll still have three ports in the hub to spare for a printer, scanner, external hard drive, webcam, or any of the multitude of USB-based devices that exist. Watch the video below to see our configuration in action.

The switch requires no drivers. Just connect it to any two computers with USB 1.1/2.0 ports via the included five-foot USB A/B cables, attach a device or hub, and that’s it. Be aware that the attached device might require drivers to use it with your computer’s operating system. The first time you switch access to the device, you may either be asked to install drivers if you haven’t already or receive an error if your computer’s operating system can’t recognize the device. If you switch to a hub connected to multiple devices, you may have to go through driver installs for all those devices.

The USB2-SWITCH2 comes with two five-foot USB A/B cables.

The USB2-SWITCH2 is available at Amazon.com. We’d love to hear your stories about how you use this incredibly simple but highly effective device in your home or office. If you have any questions about its functionality or have trouble getting it set up, write us at support@plugable.com. We’re here to help.

Plugable USB 2.0 Switch for One-Button Swapping of USB Device/Hub Between Two Computers

Product Details

$14.99

Plugable’s New USB 2.0 2-Port Hub

Posted on 30. Dec, 2011 by Bernie Thompson in USB2-2PORT

The newest small and light laptops and tablets don’t have enough USB ports.

Because of that, it’s nice to be able to throw a small USB hub in your bag for extra connectivity when you’re travelling. You want a durable hub without any parts sticking out that are easy to break. Where the hub is a single integrated unit, so nothing will get disconnected and lost. With ports that are in line with the cable, so cables aren’t running all directions on your desk when you’re using it. And a hub without so many ports that it needs its own power adapter anyway (which would be too bulky).

It’s for these kinds of needs that we’re targeting our simple new USB 2.0 2-Port Hub.

It features a clean, compact design. With a standard USB 2.0 High Speed hub controller inside (NEC/Renesas µPD720114 2-port), it enables two devices to share a single available USB port with full USB 2.0 compatibility and performance.

Because it’s bus powered, the 2 ports share the available 500 mA from the single upstream port. It’s a perfect match for use with low powered devices such as keyboards and mice or self powered devices like printers, powered hubs, and powered external hard drives. Note, though, that you won’t want to use an unpowered hub like this for charging.

Features

• Standard 2 Port USB 2.0 compliant USB hub controller chipset
• Compatible with all USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices
• Supports full data rates of 1.5/12/480 Mbps
• USB bus powered
• Compact, in-line design to minimize cable clutter

Have any questions? Email support@plugable.com anytime – we’ll be happy to help.

Where to Buy

Plugable USB 2.0 2 Port Hub

Product Details

$9.20

Updating firmware on the Plugable 4-Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0/2.0 Hub

Posted on 01. Nov, 2011 by jerome in USB3-HUB81X4

Because USB 3.0 is still maturing, it’s helpful to choose devices with upgradable firmware (and/or drivers). Our Plugable 4-Port SuperSpeed USB 3.0/2.0 Hub uses the VIA VL810 chipset both because it’s the best selling hub chipset currently on the market, and updating the firmware is relatively easy.

First, download VIA’s USB 3 Firmware Upgrade Tool (Windows required).

When the package is finished downloading click on the .zip file to extract the contents and run Usb3HubFWUpgrade_Setup_VX.XX.exe (to match the version you downloaded). This will install the USB3.0 firmware upgrade tool.

Reboot your machine, and connect your hub to AC power and to a USB3.0 port directly on your computer. Now, run the Usb3HubFWUpgrade program from the start menu. You will see a screen like this:

When the upgrade tool reports 1 device found, click the “Start Upgrade” button. Once it has completed you will see:

Disconnect both the AC power and the USB cable from the hub to reset it, reconnect, and you’re done!

See VIA’s Release Notes (PDF) for the list of features and fixes in each firmware version.